Pullela Gopichand on the surprising link between Badminton and Kabaddi: 'The presence of mind to identify gaps is...'

The Pro Kabaddi League’s 12th season got off to a cracking start on National Sports Day, and it wasn’t just because of what happened on the mat. The August 29 opener turned into something special when some of India’s biggest sporting names showed up to celebrate the game that’s become our very own success story.

You had kabaddi’s poster boy Pardeep Narwal mingling with badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, hockey great Dhanraj Pillay, Paralympic star Yogesh Kathuniya, and cricket’s latest sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Rajasthan Royals.

Speaking exclusively to JioStar on the sidelines of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 action, badminton legend Pullela Gopichand shared his admiration for kabaddi, drawing parallels with badminton and reflected on the larger role of sport in inspiring national pride. From his experiences as a viewer to the thrill of kabaddi’s pace and intensity, Gopichand explained what makes sport special and why every victory matters for the nation.

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On viewing kabaddi

“I have watched quite a few kabaddi games, including the finals of previous seasons. So yes, I have had some good experience as a viewer. I feel lucky to have enjoyed some truly great games.”

On the thrill of kabaddi

“Kabaddi is quick, and there’s action at every moment. You bat an eyelid and you might miss something big. That’s what makes it very, very exciting, and that’s what I really love about it. Of course, the aggression, the energy of the players, and the adrenaline in the arena make it a great entertainer.”

On similarities between kabaddi and badminton

“I do believe there are a lot of commonalities between badminton and kabaddi. One of the most important aspects is agility, which plays a key role in both sports. The presence of mind to identify gaps is equally crucial. Strong legs, core strength, and abdominal fitness are fundamental requirements. And of course, the concept of ‘hit and get back’ defines both games. In kabaddi, you raid and return, while in badminton, you strike and quickly get back to the centre or prepare for the next stroke. In many ways, it all comes down to the mind, the planning, and the execution, which makes both sports very similar in spirit.”

On the power of sport in shaping national pride

“It’s supremely important that, as a nation, we look at sport in the right spirit. Every win matters. I remember what our Prime Minister said back in 2014, after the Commonwealth Games, that every performance adds a drop of pride into the nation’s bucket. For any nation, community, or society to rise, pride is a crucial element. Every win, whether on the cricket field, the badminton court, the hockey turf, or the kabaddi mat, fills us with pride. And the next morning, more than a billion people wake up with renewed energy. Sport doesn’t just affect the individual — their health, their discipline, their decision-making — but it also shapes us as a nation. It builds pride, it boosts productivity, and it changes the collective mindset. That’s why I believe sport has an immensely powerful role to play, not only for athletes but for society at large.”

Catch Pro Kabaddi League action today as Tamil Thalaivas face U Mumba at 8:00 PM, followed by Bengal Warriorz vs Haryana Steelers at 9:00 PM, live and exclusive on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.